NEW and more detailed weather forecasts for Wales' highest mountain ranges have been launched by the Met Office.

The forecasts, for Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, are available via the Met Office website after funding from the Welsh Assembly Government via the Sports Council for Wales, and place more emphasis on such factors as wind chill and sunrise and sunset times.

“These enhanced forecasts will enable hill walkers and mountain climbers to plan ahead which means that they can make the best of the weather and reduce the risk to their safety from adverse weather conditions.”

The mountain forecasts are issued daily and cover daylight hours. They also include detailed two-day forecasts and a further three days in summary.